British Transport Police recently appealed for information following a number of cable thefts in RCT which caused more than 15 hours of disruption to Valleys Lines services and offered a £1,000 reward.

Arrests

A 55-year-old man from Pontnewydd , a 40-year-old man from Trealaw and a 43-year-old man from Tonypandy have all been arrested on suspicion of three counts of theft of railway cables.

The trio have been bailed until June 16 pending further inquiries.

A spokesman from BTP, said: “We would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance with this appeal.

“The investigation is still ongoing and officers would welcome any further information that could assist with their inquiries.”

"Train delays and cancellations directly affect people getting to work, visiting family and travelling to hospital appointments.

“Cable thieves disrupt people’s lives and we will continue working with British Transport Police to protect the rail network upon which our economy relies.”

“Thefts such as these have little financial benefit but ultimately put people’s lives at risk,” added PC Broaders.

“The stolen cable is of no real value to anyone outside the railway industry, yet the cost to replace it is extremely high.

“In fact, thieves will struggle to get any money at all, as scrap metal dealers simply will not accept railway cable.

'Dangerous environment'

“The railway is a dangerous environment, and anyone who attempts to steal cable risks serious injury – or even death – through electrocution.”

Anyone with any information about these thefts should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016. Information can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.